Category: Epcot

  • UPDATE: New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Construction Aerial Photos

    UPDATE: New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Construction Aerial Photos

    Construction on the Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster at Epcot is well under way and we can see some real progress now. With these amazing aerial photos of the project we get a scope of just how out of this galaxy the new attraction is going to be.

    The highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction will be one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

    Back in April, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete was poured to create the foundation of what will soon take shape as Epcot’s mammoth attraction. Take a look below at an amazing close-up of the Guardians of the Galaxy show building frame so far as seen from World Showcase.

    Guardians of the Galaxy
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney. Below you can see the show building frame so far currently spans about 1/4 of the foundation.

    Guardians of the Galaxy
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Inspired by the films, the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World, with an epic storyline being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with the original filmmakers.

    The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

  • Rose Gold Wall At Disney World is The Hottest New Instagram Worthy Selfie Spot

    Rose Gold Wall At Disney World is The Hottest New Instagram Worthy Selfie Spot

    Disney has been releasing merchandise with all the new trendy colors, like ‘Rose Gold Spirit jerseys‘ or ‘Millennial Pink Ears‘ and guests have been setting their own trends with popular selfie walls, like the ‘Purple Wall’ in the Magic Kingdom, that make great backdrops for photos.  Now Disney is bringing together the best of both trends with a new Rose Gold Wall that makes the perfect insta-worthy selfie location.

    The new wall is located near Mission Space in Epcot and features various “rose gold” shades. The new wall is already trending on Instagram.

    Rose Gold fans and Wall Pic fans have both been painting the internet Rose Gold with their best wall selfies.

    you can be sure that more merch with hot new trendy colors will continue to be released and you can bet they will continue to add more walls for guest who love hunting for those perfect selfie spots.

  • The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

    The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

    From the moment Michael Eisner became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 1984, plans for expansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World were on the forefront of his mind and in 1991 Eisner’s original plans for the expansion of the Disney empire in Anaheim included a version of Orlando’s EPCOT called WestCOT.

    In 1991, Disney announced plans to build WestCOT on the site of Disneyland’s parking lot. It was themed around a Utopian vision of the future, similar to EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World, and would be the first Disney theme park to contain hotels within the park.

    WestCOT was a planned second theme park for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It was essentially a replica of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and was dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture. The park was represented by SpaceStation Earth, a larger version of the geodesic sphere Spaceship Earth featured at EPCOT Center.

    Westcoast Epcot

    The project would have been made up of two parts: Future World and a kind of World Showcase area. Future would still be a place for guests to get hands on with science, but the World Showcase would be a little different. Instead of being divided into individual countries, the area would be split into different regions like the The Americas, Europe, Asia and others. Rides included a James Bond-esque chase on a train, a trip through an Egyptian palace and a Native American Spirit Lodge.

    In the 1990s, The Walt Disney Company decided to expand the original Disneyland Park into a multi-park, multi-resort business model with WestCOT intended to be the centerpiece. A ton of fanfare came with the new projects announcement and the mere thought of it had Disneyland fans waiting with bated breath, but the project had more than a few hurdles.

    The biggest challenge was the budget. WestCOT project was projected to cost an estimated $3.1 billion which was a lot back then, even for Disney. The company wasn’t able to find any funding from outside sources and the price tag was a large part of the decision not to move forward with the project.

    The project was scrapped in 1995, but Disney would still be moving forward with plans for a second theme park in Anaheim, however; and after a three-day summit in Colorado the plans for what would truly come next were born. The planned site for WestCOT would later house what would become the resort’s second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001.

  • Get Your Royal Wedding-Inspired Merchandise at Epcot

    Get Your Royal Wedding-Inspired Merchandise at Epcot

    The Royal Wedding is just a few days away – and Walt Disney World Resort guests can join in on the historic celebration by grabbing new merchandise now available at the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

    Royal Merchandise Epcot

    Royal Wedding merchandise can currently be found in the shop between The Tea Caddy and the Queen’s Table. The curated assortment of Royal Wedding products from United Kingdom-based companies include home décor items, such as teacups and saucers, ornate mugs, and tea towels.

    Royal Merchandise Epcot

    Other available items include a ceramic bell, trinket box, and a 24-Carat Gold Gilded commemorative plate. Each item contains a picture of His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales and Miss Meghan Markle.

     

     

  • Space-Themed Restaurant Planned For Epcot Now Has A Landing Spot

    Space-Themed Restaurant Planned For Epcot Now Has A Landing Spot

    Last summer, Disney announced that a one-of-a-kind, space-themed restaurant is currently planned for Epcot that’ll offer guests amazing meals and a spectacular view – from high above Earth. Today they announced that this new restaurant will be built in a newly developed area located between the park’s Mission: SPACE and Test Track attractions.

    Once completed, the restaurant will invite guests to travel to space for an amazing dining experience in the stars. The new restaurant will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group, led by Nick Valenti, which operates several other restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, including Tutto Italia and Via Napoli at Epcot and Morimoto Asia and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante at Disney Springs.

    But Epcot guests don’t have to wait until the restaurant opens to enjoy a thrilling adventure in space. Last summer, the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction launched new experiences: the enhanced Orange Mission offers a truly intense experience that lets guests feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars; while the all-new, family-friendly Green Mission takes guests on an exciting orbit around Earth.

    And this summer – starting June 9 – Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” as a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer” offerings. Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, five times a day from June 9 through August 19.

  • Concrete Foundation For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Roller Coaster At Epcot Has Been Poured

    Concrete Foundation For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Roller Coaster At Epcot Has Been Poured

    Earlier this year Disney announced a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-Themed Roller Coaster coming to Future World at Epcot and earlier this week, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete was poured to create the foundation of what will soon take shape as Epcot’s mammoth attraction.

    It’s now on track to become one of the world’s longest enclosed coasters, and to house it, a new facility is being built adjacent to the existing Universe of Energy building.

    Inspired by the films, the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World, with an epic storyline being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with the original filmmakers.

    Take a look at the construction progress below in this awesome time-lapse video from Disney Parks.!

    While the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction is currently set to debut at Epcot just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, guests don’t have to wait too long to get a “Guardians” fix at Epcot. As a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer,” Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.

    Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” five times a day from June 9 through August 19.

  • Star-Lord and Gamora To Host ‘Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!’ at Epcot

    Star-Lord and Gamora To Host ‘Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!’ at Epcot

    As a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer,” Star-Lord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.

    Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” five times a day from June 9 through August 19. It is included with theme park admission and is part of Walt Disney World’s lineup of “Incredible Summer” offerings. Check out the list of blog posts below for more Incredible Summer fun.

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  • New Menu Options Available at Restaurants in Epcot

    New Menu Options Available at Restaurants in Epcot

    The International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot is known for its beautiful floral aromas, but another thing Disney Parks are known for are the sweet smell of the delicious food, especially when its new food. Well some new menu items are being cooked up at Electric Umbrella, Refreshment Port, Liberty Inn and more and were going to dish out all the delicious details.

    New Food in Epcot

    We start with Sunshine Seasons in The Land. Here they’ve got a couple new breakfast options that will be sure to kick-start your day in the park. The first is a Breakfast Croissant Sandwich – eggs, bacon, and Colby Jack on a flaky croissant and served with a side of breakfast potatoes. The second is a fantastic Breakfast Broccoli and Egg-White Soufflé served with a multigrain croissant and fresh fruit. And if you plan to return to Sunshine Seasons later in the day, there are a couple new items on the lunch and dinner menus as well – like the Rotisserie Turkey Breast Club Sandwich that comes with roasted turkey breast, bacon jam, and avocado spread served on fresh ciabatta bread. There’s also the Tuna Poke Salad – a noodle and wakame seaweed salad topped with tuna poke, spicy mayonnaise and sweet soy. And then there’s my personal favorite – the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with coleslaw and garnished with a fresh, crisp pickle!

    New Food in Epcot New Food in Epcot

    Another good option for lunch would be Electric Umbrella, where a Mojo Pulled Pork Burger, a Brisket Sandwich, and a Vegetable Quinoa Salad have been added to the menu. The Mojo Pulled Pork Burger comes with cilantro and lime aïoli; and the Brisket sandwich comes with a delicious beer cheese sauce. And for a vegetarian option, the Veggie Quinoa Salad consists of quinoa, riced cauliflower, pickled carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, and agave-lime dressing.

    New Food in Epcot

    Now at Refreshment Port near Canada, a special poutine has been tempting the taste buds of guests. Here you’ll find two new poutine offerings: Traditional Poutine consisting of french fries topped with beef gravy and cheese curds and Signature Poutine consisting of french fries topped with Canadian cheddar-bacon sauce and cheese curds. And you can still get that deliciously sweet Croissant Doughnut with cinnamon sugar and the option to top it with vanilla, chocolate, or swirl soft-serve ice cream. For the adults out there, you might want to try the specialty Bloody Mary!

    New Food in Epcot

    New Food in Epcot New Food in Epcot

    Traveling around to the back of World Showcase, the next stop is at Liberty Inn in the American Adventure. New to the menu are Fried Shrimp and a Fried Chicken Sandwich with lettuce, pimento cheese, and smoked bacon. On the lighter side, you can try the new Cobb Salad with warm chicken, green apples, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and bacon, topped with a sherry vinaigrette. And for dessert, we welcome two new desserts with open mouths: an Apple Pie Cheesecake and a Marshmallow Cookie Crunch Cupcake!

    New Food in Epcot

    Finally, in Norway, where the Midnattssol Bakeri is now open for business! Here you’ll find your favorite Norwegian snacks such as the popular School Bread, Lefse, Anna’s Birthday Cake, and Chocolate Pretzels. On the savory side, the Norwegian Club Sandwich and the Viking Dog can also be found at this new bakery location. The Norwegian Club Sandwich consists of ham, turkey, bacon, Jarlsberg, and Muenster with fresh tomatoes, sliced red onion, and lingonberry mayonnaise on toasted multigrain bread. The Viking Dog is an all-beef hot dog served with pulled pork, purple cabbage, spicy mayonnaise, bacon, and fried onions.

    No matter where you go, your day at Epcot will be deliciously delightful with these new eats throughout the park. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through May 28.

  • Entrance For Epcot’s Exclusive Club 33 Location May Have Been Found

    Entrance For Epcot’s Exclusive Club 33 Location May Have Been Found

    As we previously reported, a version of Disneyland’s Exclusive Club 33 is making its way to Walt Disney World. In fact, the plans are to have one in each of Disney World’s four theme parks and it now seems we may have the location of entrance to the club planned for Epcot.

    One rumored location for the club has been the upstairs lounge at The American Adventure in Epcot’s World Showcase and in a recent picture posted on Twitter by WDW News there seems to be some clues that may prove this rumor true.

    Seemingly out of nowhere; a doorbell, a speaker and a MagicBand reader appeared recently next to the entrance to The American Experience.

    It’s not official word from Disney, but there is a very similar system set up outside Club 33 at Disneyland.  Suspicious much? Maybe… But due to the exclusive nature of the club things aren’t exactly revealed, but often just discovered. It’s part of the mystic and fun, but keep an eye out for the official Disney World Club 33 Logo to eventually adorn this new addition.

    The speaker is used to communicate with guests coming in and this setup has a MagicBand reader which means members will have easy access after ringing the doorbell.

    There is no official word on where the various locations will be, but in addition to The American Adventure—which now seems likely—other rumored locations include the Adventureland Veranda at the Magic Kingdom, the former Catwalk Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a back room at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    Membership sales are expected to go on sale to the general public soon, but residents of Walt Disney World’s upscale community Golden Oak are already able to apply for membership for the Walt Disney World version of the secret club.

    The cost of registration is $25,000 with annual dues of $15,000.

     

     

  • New Merchandise Blooming At The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

    New Merchandise Blooming At The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

    Once agin the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom. And this year, along with the brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, rocking entertainment, you’ll find tons of commemorative merchandise.

    The festival marks its 25th Anniversary as it returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28, but the seeds of this year’s merchandise assortment were planted more than a year ago by event product developer Cathy Dawson. By collaborating with a talented art team and incorporating beloved products from Disney Parks, Cathy tells the Festival’s story from a fresh new perspective.

    Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

    “This year’s merchandise mixes the latest on-trend designs with products we know guests love such as headwear or home décor,” said Cathy. “Since this year is a milestone anniversary, everything has a new look and many items include a 25th Anniversary logo in the artwork. There’s something for everyone to remember a springtime visit to Epcot.”

    A garden of more than 75 items was created for this annual event. Cathy included little details on many products, which are best seen on the stylish accessories and easy-to-wear apparel. New headwear, such as the Mouse-eared baseball cap, contain nods to Spaceship Earth, while the flower-covered headband is reminiscent of the millions of blooms guests will see at Epcot.

    Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

    Cathy partnered with Disney Creative Group artists when creating four art collections that complement the Festival’s overall design. She referenced an artwork style guide during the design process so the products have a consistent look when displayed throughout the park.

    The “Mickey’s Grove” collection with Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Orange Bird contains a harvested assortment of apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. The lovable purple dragon Figment “unearths the unexpected” in the “Figment Discovers” collection with apparel, drinkware, and garden statuary. The “Fresh Epcot” collection has brightly colored picks of the season from a simple pocket t-shirt to collectible pins.

    “My favorite collection is ‘Minnie’s Farmhouse Flower Shop’ as the adorable artwork of Minnie Mouse with her cat Figaro captures the essence of spring,” continued Cathy.

    Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

    Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including drinkware by Tervis, pins, apparel, and a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.

    Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

    Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Please note the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.

    Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

    When the Festival kicks off on February 28, we are releasing two limited-edition retail MagicBands. The Mickey Mouse-themed one has an edition size of 2,000 and is packaged in an orange-scented box. The Passholder Exclusive MagicBand also has an edition size of 2,000 and complements other Figment products created for the event.

    One additional MagicBand will be released at a future date during the Festival. Packaged in a box that smells like flowers, the Minnie Mouse-inspired item has an edition size of 1,000.

    These products and many others, including the new springtime scavenger hunt, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, will be found in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.